Studies show an improvement in lipid profiles when statin drugs are combined with Vitamin B3. The mechanism is unknown yet marked reduction in thickness of vessel walls were noted.
See New England Journal of Medicine, 362:1046-1048, Vol 11, 18Mar10
Friday, March 19, 2010
Friday, January 1, 2010
Questions and Answers about Perscribing rights for ND's in BC
For many decades, BC’s naturopathic physicians have been seeking from government recognition for a scope of practice in keeping with the contemporary and historical practice of NDs. In the 2008 Throne Speech, the BC Liberals made a commitment to proceed with two facets of naturopathic medical care: prescriptive rights and diagnostic facility access. The process leading to this announcement involved many years of negotiation, research, and collaborative assessment. The government’s commitment is based on this lengthy and detailed process; it is a commitment based on sound judgement having reviewed the educational criteria, current and historical practice of NDs, and, most importantly, ensuring the highest levels of patient-centred health care are available to all British Columbians. The BCNA believes that this commitment is the right choice for British Columbians: It reduces the existing burden on MDs while ensuring the provision of safe and effective primary health care in a measured fashion. This document addresses some of the questions that have arisen during the negotiation process.
Why Seek Prescribing Rights Now?
Access to a “schedule of preparations” is an issue that has been in negotiation with government for over 50 years. The naturopathic profession was in fact regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons from 1921 until 1936 when the Naturopathic Physicians Act was proclaimed. Prior to 1936 all naturopathic physicians were given the ability to prescribe exactly the same substances as allopathic physicians; however, with the new Act, prescribing ability was left undefined. Since 1936 the naturopathic profession has been waiting patiently for their formulary to be formally approved by government, yet all previous governments have failed to act. Naturopathic physicians have continued to prescribe traditional substances to the benefit of our patients and without harm to the public. We expect this government to be bold and step up to the plate and solve this issue. When the BC Liberals made a Throne Speech commitment in 2008, the BCNA applauded the government’s willingness to take this important and essential step to providing a better health care system for all British Columbians.
Why do Naturopathic Doctors Need Prescription Medications?
Making a prescription is fundamental to the practice of medicine in any and all forms. Another element, however, is that over the decades NDs have lost access to many botanical medicines and natural therapeutics. These “traditional” substances, such as high dose vitamins, some amino acids, hormones, botanicals and herbs, which NDs have used for decades, have slowly become “scheduled”—right here in B.C. But more importantly, NDs are providing primary care without the capacity to practice at the full extent of their skills and expertise. Naturopathic physicians have traditionally acted as primary care practitioners and continue to do so today. As such, it is imperative that NDs be allowed to retain their historical right to prescribe. The existing bias is further exacerbated by allowing other professions schedules without addressing the issue in this profession. And in some cases, as with MDs, core competency, education and training were not required for theuse of the naturopathic pharmacopoeia. One example is that MDs are free to practice all forms of complementary medicine without constraint or oversight.
How Does Prescribing Impact Patients?
At present, the lack of access to some pharmaceuticals puts naturopathic physicians in a position of ambiguity. It leads to confusion both on the part of the practicing ND and the patient, vis-à-vis patient protocols. Worse, it impairs the College of Naturopathic Physicians, the licensing body, from fulfilling its regulatory function. This issue has been outstanding for decades, and has been continually perpetuated by successive governments. As drug laws have changed, and as natural items have become scheduled, the historical naturopathic formulary is now seriously eroded. As this process drags on and governments change the cycle repeats itself. The naturopathic profession is between a rock and a hard place. On one hand NDs are bound by the same legal duties and obligations as MDs. On the other hand, NDs lack, due to government neglect, the supporting legislative mandate that would allow us to fulfill these proscribed legal duties and obligations. This discrepancy carries with it an inherent danger to the public and to the naturopathic profession. A case in point is bronchial pneumonia where the naturopathic physician deems antibiotics are required, yet cannot prescribe them. This inability to prescribe places the patient at risk due to the delay in receiving proper medical treatment.
Do Naturopathic Physicians (NDs) have the Education Required to Prescribe Medicines? NDs already prescribe pharmaceuticals in many jurisdictions across North America. They could not prescribe if their education excluded pharmacology and pharmacognosy training. [Pharmacognosy is the study of medicines derived from natural sources. The American Society of Pharmacognosy defines pharmacognosy as “the study of the physical, chemical, biochemical and biological properties of drugs, drug substances or potential drugs or drug substances of natural origin as well as the search for new drugs from natural sources.’] All licensed naturopathic physicians complete a minimum of three-years university level pre-medical training, then four years at an accredited naturopathic medical college. [There are two in Canada and four in the USA.] Following pre-med, the fouryear ND program covers many of the same science courses as at “conventional” medical school. Drug education is of course a core part of pharmacology training, but also an inherent part of biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, botanical medicine, pathology and other core science courses in the ND curricula. Pharmacology training for NDs is similar to the training MDs receive: It is focussed on the principles of pharmacodynamics, including drug absorption, metabolism, distribution, excretion and mechanism of action. All students must be able to classify and describe the pharmacodynamics, side effects and therapeutic uses of drug prototypes from the myriad conventional drug classes. In addition, the ND must thoroughly understand the pharmacology of all natural substances. Upon graduation from the four-year ND program, each doctor must pass internationally standardized licensing exams. Pharmacology is one specific exam—as well, pharmacology as a subject is covered in many other exams, including the clinical therapeutic courses such as botanical medicine and nutritional medicine, physical, clinical, and lab diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, minor surgery and emergency medicine.
Do Naturopathic Physicians Licenced In Other Jurisdictions Prescribe? Yes. Naturopathic physicians in various US jurisdictions with similar education and training and identical licensing requirements as in BC already use “scheduled” substances in their naturopathic practices on a daily basis. But a more important point is that many “traditional” substances, such as high dose vitamins, some amino acids, hormones, botanicals and herbs, which NDs have used for decades, have slowly become “scheduled”—right here in B.C. Imagine a medical doctor losing the ability to run diagnostic tests or prescribe an antibiotic, or a surgeon unable to use anaesthetics. That’s exactly what’s happened over the years to naturopathic doctors in terms of many traditional medicines. In addition, naturopathic physicians have demonstrated extensive education and training as well as historical and contemporary safe and effective usage of scheduled substances, especially those items which have been moved from over-the-counter status to prescription only. The safety record speaks for itself. Naturopathic medicine, like allopathic medicine, is an evolving art and science and as such requires a formulary and legislation that reflects the changing nature of medicine and healthcare. Further, being granted the right to prescribe represents the trend in most health care professions. Examples include pharmacists, psychologists, nurse practitioners, midwives, optometrists, etc.; some of whom have considerably less clinical education than NDs.
Will There Be Conflict Between MDs and NDs? There is no reason or rationale for conflict. Naturopathic doctors are already using various therapeutics to treat patients, as are MDs. The only change would be that some additional therapeutics will become available to NDs. Dentists, for example, have access to all scheduled substances yet the vast majority of practicing dentists use only a very small number of items: antibiotics, analgesics and local anaesthetics. There is no conflict between dentist and doctor, just as there would be no conflict between MD and ND. It’s important to remember that in BC we have a “shared scopes of practice” model whereby, for example, MDs, NDs, acupuncturists and physiotherapists all have the ability to obtain licensure in acupuncture. Many elements of scope of practice are common amongst two or more health professions. This is just another element of the existing medical model.
What Will Occur if the Government Fails to Act?
Health care for all British Columbians will suffer. The current shortage of primary care practitioners will be further impaired. The unique skills that NDs bring to the health care table—a focus on disease prevention, patient-centred health care, and extensive expertise in the compounding and dispensing of natural therapeutics—will be eroded or lost.
What About Patient Safety? If Naturopathic Physicians Haven’t Dealt With Prescription Drugs in the Past, How are they Eligible for the Added Responsibility?
Naturopathic doctors deal with prescription medicines on a daily basis: With patients already on a drug regime, considering pharmaceuticals and/or an alternative, drug/non-drug interactions, and myriad other interconnected health issues. The substantial change with new regulations won’t be so much an added responsibility, but rather the ability to improve patient care. Currently, hundreds of thousands of BC residents see naturopathic doctors for care, many for primary care, and BC’s licensed NDs attend to over a million patient visits each year.
Won’t it Confuse Patients Already on Prescription Medications?
Given the shared scopes of model already in existence, there should be no confusion. Many patients may see, for example, an ND, physiotherapist, chiropractor, acupuncturist and MD over the course of a year, sometimes simultaneously. Shared scopes of practice is the status quo in BC. Even for a patient seeing both a general practitioner and specialist, they may be under two different “traditional” protocols without confusion or error. But this question also begs a further clarification. There is a difference between prescriptions for chronic and acute conditions. A patient on medication for, say, depression, and seeing an ND, would require immediate attention for an acute condition such as bronchitis. The provision for access to scheduled drugs allows for more effective, timely and appropriate medical care.
Why do Naturopathic Physicians Want This Change in Regulation?
Strictly speaking, naturopathic doctors don’t “want” the change in regulation, they require it—to provide safe, effective, economical preventative health care. The regulation changes are in keeping with a “shared scopes of practice” model being implemented across the province—whereby many health professions have access to prescription items relevant to their respective practice. The change is in keeping with the record of safety and effectiveness of this profession, and ensuring that modalities arbitrarily removed, over time, continue to be used appropriately and in a timely fashion.
Don’t Naturopathic Doctors Only Use “Natural” Medicines?
No and yes. Even to this day many prescription drugs are derived from natural sources—where there is overlap and emphasis in naturopathic medical training. Some “natural” medicines are prescription only (e.g., amino acids, high-dose vitamins). But really this is a question about employing basic medical diagnosis and laboratory analysis. Naturopathic doctors’ primary focus is on treating the underlying nature or cause of disease. Put simply, naturopathic medicine is the “nature” of the “pathos” or disease, not simply “natural” medicines. This focus is about supporting the natural healing processes of the patient, not simply using a product. Thus, naturopathic medicine is about the removal of any impediment to the healing process; the prevention and treatment of physical and mental disease, disorders and conditions; and the promotion of good health using not only natural methods but methods that support and enhance a patient’s overall health. Unfortunately, even those “natural” medicines naturopathic doctors have used for many decades are often, now, by prescription only.
The BCNA believes that the government’s commitment to providing a schedule of preparations for licensed naturopathic physicians is in keeping with a public responsibility to: Ensure shared scopes of practice; improve access to primary health providers; enhancing disease prevention from qualified health professionals; providing greater public choice while not increasing health care costs.
Why Seek Prescribing Rights Now?
Access to a “schedule of preparations” is an issue that has been in negotiation with government for over 50 years. The naturopathic profession was in fact regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons from 1921 until 1936 when the Naturopathic Physicians Act was proclaimed. Prior to 1936 all naturopathic physicians were given the ability to prescribe exactly the same substances as allopathic physicians; however, with the new Act, prescribing ability was left undefined. Since 1936 the naturopathic profession has been waiting patiently for their formulary to be formally approved by government, yet all previous governments have failed to act. Naturopathic physicians have continued to prescribe traditional substances to the benefit of our patients and without harm to the public. We expect this government to be bold and step up to the plate and solve this issue. When the BC Liberals made a Throne Speech commitment in 2008, the BCNA applauded the government’s willingness to take this important and essential step to providing a better health care system for all British Columbians.
Why do Naturopathic Doctors Need Prescription Medications?
Making a prescription is fundamental to the practice of medicine in any and all forms. Another element, however, is that over the decades NDs have lost access to many botanical medicines and natural therapeutics. These “traditional” substances, such as high dose vitamins, some amino acids, hormones, botanicals and herbs, which NDs have used for decades, have slowly become “scheduled”—right here in B.C. But more importantly, NDs are providing primary care without the capacity to practice at the full extent of their skills and expertise. Naturopathic physicians have traditionally acted as primary care practitioners and continue to do so today. As such, it is imperative that NDs be allowed to retain their historical right to prescribe. The existing bias is further exacerbated by allowing other professions schedules without addressing the issue in this profession. And in some cases, as with MDs, core competency, education and training were not required for theuse of the naturopathic pharmacopoeia. One example is that MDs are free to practice all forms of complementary medicine without constraint or oversight.
How Does Prescribing Impact Patients?
At present, the lack of access to some pharmaceuticals puts naturopathic physicians in a position of ambiguity. It leads to confusion both on the part of the practicing ND and the patient, vis-à-vis patient protocols. Worse, it impairs the College of Naturopathic Physicians, the licensing body, from fulfilling its regulatory function. This issue has been outstanding for decades, and has been continually perpetuated by successive governments. As drug laws have changed, and as natural items have become scheduled, the historical naturopathic formulary is now seriously eroded. As this process drags on and governments change the cycle repeats itself. The naturopathic profession is between a rock and a hard place. On one hand NDs are bound by the same legal duties and obligations as MDs. On the other hand, NDs lack, due to government neglect, the supporting legislative mandate that would allow us to fulfill these proscribed legal duties and obligations. This discrepancy carries with it an inherent danger to the public and to the naturopathic profession. A case in point is bronchial pneumonia where the naturopathic physician deems antibiotics are required, yet cannot prescribe them. This inability to prescribe places the patient at risk due to the delay in receiving proper medical treatment.
Do Naturopathic Physicians (NDs) have the Education Required to Prescribe Medicines? NDs already prescribe pharmaceuticals in many jurisdictions across North America. They could not prescribe if their education excluded pharmacology and pharmacognosy training. [Pharmacognosy is the study of medicines derived from natural sources. The American Society of Pharmacognosy defines pharmacognosy as “the study of the physical, chemical, biochemical and biological properties of drugs, drug substances or potential drugs or drug substances of natural origin as well as the search for new drugs from natural sources.’] All licensed naturopathic physicians complete a minimum of three-years university level pre-medical training, then four years at an accredited naturopathic medical college. [There are two in Canada and four in the USA.] Following pre-med, the fouryear ND program covers many of the same science courses as at “conventional” medical school. Drug education is of course a core part of pharmacology training, but also an inherent part of biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, botanical medicine, pathology and other core science courses in the ND curricula. Pharmacology training for NDs is similar to the training MDs receive: It is focussed on the principles of pharmacodynamics, including drug absorption, metabolism, distribution, excretion and mechanism of action. All students must be able to classify and describe the pharmacodynamics, side effects and therapeutic uses of drug prototypes from the myriad conventional drug classes. In addition, the ND must thoroughly understand the pharmacology of all natural substances. Upon graduation from the four-year ND program, each doctor must pass internationally standardized licensing exams. Pharmacology is one specific exam—as well, pharmacology as a subject is covered in many other exams, including the clinical therapeutic courses such as botanical medicine and nutritional medicine, physical, clinical, and lab diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, minor surgery and emergency medicine.
Do Naturopathic Physicians Licenced In Other Jurisdictions Prescribe? Yes. Naturopathic physicians in various US jurisdictions with similar education and training and identical licensing requirements as in BC already use “scheduled” substances in their naturopathic practices on a daily basis. But a more important point is that many “traditional” substances, such as high dose vitamins, some amino acids, hormones, botanicals and herbs, which NDs have used for decades, have slowly become “scheduled”—right here in B.C. Imagine a medical doctor losing the ability to run diagnostic tests or prescribe an antibiotic, or a surgeon unable to use anaesthetics. That’s exactly what’s happened over the years to naturopathic doctors in terms of many traditional medicines. In addition, naturopathic physicians have demonstrated extensive education and training as well as historical and contemporary safe and effective usage of scheduled substances, especially those items which have been moved from over-the-counter status to prescription only. The safety record speaks for itself. Naturopathic medicine, like allopathic medicine, is an evolving art and science and as such requires a formulary and legislation that reflects the changing nature of medicine and healthcare. Further, being granted the right to prescribe represents the trend in most health care professions. Examples include pharmacists, psychologists, nurse practitioners, midwives, optometrists, etc.; some of whom have considerably less clinical education than NDs.
Will There Be Conflict Between MDs and NDs? There is no reason or rationale for conflict. Naturopathic doctors are already using various therapeutics to treat patients, as are MDs. The only change would be that some additional therapeutics will become available to NDs. Dentists, for example, have access to all scheduled substances yet the vast majority of practicing dentists use only a very small number of items: antibiotics, analgesics and local anaesthetics. There is no conflict between dentist and doctor, just as there would be no conflict between MD and ND. It’s important to remember that in BC we have a “shared scopes of practice” model whereby, for example, MDs, NDs, acupuncturists and physiotherapists all have the ability to obtain licensure in acupuncture. Many elements of scope of practice are common amongst two or more health professions. This is just another element of the existing medical model.
What Will Occur if the Government Fails to Act?
Health care for all British Columbians will suffer. The current shortage of primary care practitioners will be further impaired. The unique skills that NDs bring to the health care table—a focus on disease prevention, patient-centred health care, and extensive expertise in the compounding and dispensing of natural therapeutics—will be eroded or lost.
What About Patient Safety? If Naturopathic Physicians Haven’t Dealt With Prescription Drugs in the Past, How are they Eligible for the Added Responsibility?
Naturopathic doctors deal with prescription medicines on a daily basis: With patients already on a drug regime, considering pharmaceuticals and/or an alternative, drug/non-drug interactions, and myriad other interconnected health issues. The substantial change with new regulations won’t be so much an added responsibility, but rather the ability to improve patient care. Currently, hundreds of thousands of BC residents see naturopathic doctors for care, many for primary care, and BC’s licensed NDs attend to over a million patient visits each year.
Won’t it Confuse Patients Already on Prescription Medications?
Given the shared scopes of model already in existence, there should be no confusion. Many patients may see, for example, an ND, physiotherapist, chiropractor, acupuncturist and MD over the course of a year, sometimes simultaneously. Shared scopes of practice is the status quo in BC. Even for a patient seeing both a general practitioner and specialist, they may be under two different “traditional” protocols without confusion or error. But this question also begs a further clarification. There is a difference between prescriptions for chronic and acute conditions. A patient on medication for, say, depression, and seeing an ND, would require immediate attention for an acute condition such as bronchitis. The provision for access to scheduled drugs allows for more effective, timely and appropriate medical care.
Why do Naturopathic Physicians Want This Change in Regulation?
Strictly speaking, naturopathic doctors don’t “want” the change in regulation, they require it—to provide safe, effective, economical preventative health care. The regulation changes are in keeping with a “shared scopes of practice” model being implemented across the province—whereby many health professions have access to prescription items relevant to their respective practice. The change is in keeping with the record of safety and effectiveness of this profession, and ensuring that modalities arbitrarily removed, over time, continue to be used appropriately and in a timely fashion.
Don’t Naturopathic Doctors Only Use “Natural” Medicines?
No and yes. Even to this day many prescription drugs are derived from natural sources—where there is overlap and emphasis in naturopathic medical training. Some “natural” medicines are prescription only (e.g., amino acids, high-dose vitamins). But really this is a question about employing basic medical diagnosis and laboratory analysis. Naturopathic doctors’ primary focus is on treating the underlying nature or cause of disease. Put simply, naturopathic medicine is the “nature” of the “pathos” or disease, not simply “natural” medicines. This focus is about supporting the natural healing processes of the patient, not simply using a product. Thus, naturopathic medicine is about the removal of any impediment to the healing process; the prevention and treatment of physical and mental disease, disorders and conditions; and the promotion of good health using not only natural methods but methods that support and enhance a patient’s overall health. Unfortunately, even those “natural” medicines naturopathic doctors have used for many decades are often, now, by prescription only.
The BCNA believes that the government’s commitment to providing a schedule of preparations for licensed naturopathic physicians is in keeping with a public responsibility to: Ensure shared scopes of practice; improve access to primary health providers; enhancing disease prevention from qualified health professionals; providing greater public choice while not increasing health care costs.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Naturopathic Mommy: Vitamin K
In hospital births, newborns are given an intramuscular injection of Vitamin K within 6 hours of birth. This intramuscular injection is to prevent a disease call hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDNB) - a bleeding disorder identified over 100 years ago.
Recently, there has been a lot of research on the long-term effects of pain induction on newborns. To date, there is no clear answer. This raises a concern to most parents. They ask themselves the question: Is there a way to minimize pain in my newborn infant during its first few hours of life?
As a naturopathic doctor expecting her first baby in the next few days I have done some research into this question. I have decided to forgo the intramuscular injection (OUCH!) and use oral vitamin K instead.
Recently, there has been a lot of research on the long-term effects of pain induction on newborns. To date, there is no clear answer. This raises a concern to most parents. They ask themselves the question: Is there a way to minimize pain in my newborn infant during its first few hours of life?
As a naturopathic doctor expecting her first baby in the next few days I have done some research into this question. I have decided to forgo the intramuscular injection (OUCH!) and use oral vitamin K instead.
Below is the dosing regime I will use:
Oral Vitamin K1 (K1-phytonadione) 2.0mg at time of first feeding, at 2, 4, and 6 weeks of age.
The brand I will use is Biotics Bio-K-Mulsion which supplies 500mcg (i.e. 0.5mg) per drop.
Note that Vitamin K1 by Biotics is illegal in Canada at this time.
For any questions about "Naturopathic mommy'ing" please do not hesitate to contact myself, Dr. Jolene Kennett, ND, at www.oceanwellness.ca
*Note that I am on maternity leave until Sept 1st 2009
Naturopathic Mommy: Diapers
Diaper'ing has become a very complex field! There are over 20 options for washable diapers and, of course, numerous disposable options. New parents need to consider time, convenience, cost, safety, and messiness.
As a naturopathic doctor I knew from the beginning that I was going to use washable diapers and that regardless of the hurdles, I would make this route work for me. What shocked me most were the varieties available today. (As if pregnancy brain was not enough, now I had to worry about sorting through this confusing field!) Just the other day my mom showed me how she folded pieces of flannel and pinned them to our bottoms. (Such an old fashion way!) My mom seldom worried about diaper rash, leaking, or messes with her cloth diapers. The best part - they cost less than $10 per dozen!!!
So, when I found out I was pregnant I started doing a lot of research. After speaking with mom's, nannies, researching online, and talking with baby retail store owners, I decided on the BumGenius Organic Cotton One-size diapers. At about $30 per diaper (with tax) it was quite an initial investment but the long-term savings, both monetary and environmental, are huge!
As a naturopathic doctor I just wanted to emphasize the importance of preserving the environment. There are daily reports on the amount of plastic accumulation in the environment. Next to plastic bags, diapers are the next major environmental polluters!
Should you ever have any questions about "naturopathic mommy'ing" please do not hesitate to contact me at www.oceanwellness.ca. :)
*Note that I am on maternity leave until Sept 1st 2009.
As a naturopathic doctor I knew from the beginning that I was going to use washable diapers and that regardless of the hurdles, I would make this route work for me. What shocked me most were the varieties available today. (As if pregnancy brain was not enough, now I had to worry about sorting through this confusing field!) Just the other day my mom showed me how she folded pieces of flannel and pinned them to our bottoms. (Such an old fashion way!) My mom seldom worried about diaper rash, leaking, or messes with her cloth diapers. The best part - they cost less than $10 per dozen!!!
So, when I found out I was pregnant I started doing a lot of research. After speaking with mom's, nannies, researching online, and talking with baby retail store owners, I decided on the BumGenius Organic Cotton One-size diapers. At about $30 per diaper (with tax) it was quite an initial investment but the long-term savings, both monetary and environmental, are huge!
As a naturopathic doctor I just wanted to emphasize the importance of preserving the environment. There are daily reports on the amount of plastic accumulation in the environment. Next to plastic bags, diapers are the next major environmental polluters!
Should you ever have any questions about "naturopathic mommy'ing" please do not hesitate to contact me at www.oceanwellness.ca. :)
*Note that I am on maternity leave until Sept 1st 2009.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Toxic Heat
As winter settles in and temperatures drop many families opt for cozying up next to a real fire in their homes. Most people will "recycle" wood and burn scraps from old fences, children's swingsets, decks and picnic tables. This is a very toxic practice.
Pressure-treated wood is treated with a chemical called CCA (chromated copper arsenate) to protect it from damage from sun. mould, insects, and water. CCA leaches from the pressure-treated wood and has shown to be present as a residue on the surface of the wood, in the soil and ground water around the structure, and in the ash from previously burning household fires. Note that pressure-treated wood manufacturers must now claim whether or not their product has been treated with CCA and whether or not it contains arsenic.
Arsenic is a known human carcinogen and is frequently associated with lung, skin and bladder cancer. Symptoms of arsenic exposure can include stomach ache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It can also result in decreased production of red and white blood cells which may cause fatigue, abnormal heart rhythm, blood-vessel damage resulting in bruising, and impaired nerve function. One of the early warning signs of arsenic poisoning is a "pins and needles" sensation in hands and feet. Other signs and symptoms include skin thickening, fluid accumulation (resulting in puffiness) especially around the lower eyelids, face and ankles, diarrhea, garlic breath, perspiration, excessive salivation, generalized itching, oral inflammation, sore throat, runny nose, excessive tearing, numbness, skin inflammation, hair loss, weakness, and loss of appetite. Arsenic can also cause a range of neurological effects, including headaches and vision problems. It can cause noticeable behavioral changes, most commonly aggression or depression.
Early treatment of arsenic poisoning whether acute or chronic low-grade exposure is critical. Arsenic levels can be safely assessed in patients aged 2-102 years old at Ocean Wellness by Dr. Jolene Kennett, ND through a urine sample following a treatment called chelation provocation. For more information call 604.986.9355.
Pressure-treated wood is treated with a chemical called CCA (chromated copper arsenate) to protect it from damage from sun. mould, insects, and water. CCA leaches from the pressure-treated wood and has shown to be present as a residue on the surface of the wood, in the soil and ground water around the structure, and in the ash from previously burning household fires. Note that pressure-treated wood manufacturers must now claim whether or not their product has been treated with CCA and whether or not it contains arsenic.
Arsenic is a known human carcinogen and is frequently associated with lung, skin and bladder cancer. Symptoms of arsenic exposure can include stomach ache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It can also result in decreased production of red and white blood cells which may cause fatigue, abnormal heart rhythm, blood-vessel damage resulting in bruising, and impaired nerve function. One of the early warning signs of arsenic poisoning is a "pins and needles" sensation in hands and feet. Other signs and symptoms include skin thickening, fluid accumulation (resulting in puffiness) especially around the lower eyelids, face and ankles, diarrhea, garlic breath, perspiration, excessive salivation, generalized itching, oral inflammation, sore throat, runny nose, excessive tearing, numbness, skin inflammation, hair loss, weakness, and loss of appetite. Arsenic can also cause a range of neurological effects, including headaches and vision problems. It can cause noticeable behavioral changes, most commonly aggression or depression.
Early treatment of arsenic poisoning whether acute or chronic low-grade exposure is critical. Arsenic levels can be safely assessed in patients aged 2-102 years old at Ocean Wellness by Dr. Jolene Kennett, ND through a urine sample following a treatment called chelation provocation. For more information call 604.986.9355.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
An addendum to Cushing's and Lead blog
The following information is from another website blog and relates to my previous post.
http://www.olyblog.com/f/06/HiddenCostsF06192006.shtml
Ground Contamination False Creek - published March 2006
page 228- LeverageOlympicMomentum.com ...
Here is what we do know regarding ground contamination in Vancouver as of early April 2006; the soil where the Olympic Village is to be built has been extensively tested. According to Jody Andrews, Project Manager for the Southeast False Creek project, they drilled hundreds of core samples throughout the site. The samples revealed a wide variety of contaminants spread in a variety of areas on the property, like hydrocarbons (derivative of petroleum), waste from a smelter, by-products from a wood mill, and other miscellaneous industrial waste. The contamination reaches down in some places to a depth of nine meters, almost three stories deep. The land was used industrially from the early 1800's, so you can image what has been dumped there over the last 100 years before environmental regulations were in place, plus from unscrupulous companies that made midnight runs to the deserted property in order to illegally empty their tanker trucks of poisons like lead, arsenic, or who knows what else. It happens every night in all big cities and this area is an easy target. Over the last 100 years there have been "sawmills, foundries, shipbuilding, metalworking, salt distribution, warehousing, and a municipal public works yard" on the land at different times. In order to build out the Olympic Village area, approximately fifty acres, nine meters deep has to be excavated, and either treated onsite, or hauled to another location for safe disposal. Would you want to live on this land? In Sydney when they undertook a similar soil remediation task in the Homebush Bay Olympic site area, costs escalated out of control, plus, it created untold health problems for people living and working in the vicinity. Digging up fifty acres of contaminated soil three stories deep puts an incredible amount of dust in the air. Plus, the property borders the Pacific Ocean, which means not only is there an impact to air quality, but to water too. Residents in the Homebush Bay area complained of increased asthma, bronchitis and skin rashes, plus there was evidence of chromosomal damage. Health care costs increased proportionately, which meant another hidden cost. The city did not take the concerns of residents seriously until international media started reporting the information. Andrews freely admitted we would not know what lies in the ground until the entire site is excavated. Quite literally, it is anybody's guess what it will cost to make the site safe for residents. This particular piece of land also has a very unique microclimate, which contributes to the dispersal of air contaminants. Prevailing winds in the summer are from the west, off the ocean. During the day as the air over the land heats up it rises and the cooler ocean air moves in to displace it. When this happens the contaminants in the air are pushed up and into the valley. In the evening the cycle is reversed, but to a considerably lesser extent. Basically, the microclimate sets up an ebb and flow system that will spread the contaminated dust among millions of residents. Homebush Bay had a very similar challenge. During a public forum, when I asked Andrews if he knew about Homebush Bay, he looked puzzled and said, "No. Never heard of it." (cv1;cf1)
http://www.olyblog.com/f/06/HiddenCostsF06192006.shtml
Ground Contamination False Creek - published March 2006
page 228- LeverageOlympicMomentum.com ...
Here is what we do know regarding ground contamination in Vancouver as of early April 2006; the soil where the Olympic Village is to be built has been extensively tested. According to Jody Andrews, Project Manager for the Southeast False Creek project, they drilled hundreds of core samples throughout the site. The samples revealed a wide variety of contaminants spread in a variety of areas on the property, like hydrocarbons (derivative of petroleum), waste from a smelter, by-products from a wood mill, and other miscellaneous industrial waste. The contamination reaches down in some places to a depth of nine meters, almost three stories deep. The land was used industrially from the early 1800's, so you can image what has been dumped there over the last 100 years before environmental regulations were in place, plus from unscrupulous companies that made midnight runs to the deserted property in order to illegally empty their tanker trucks of poisons like lead, arsenic, or who knows what else. It happens every night in all big cities and this area is an easy target. Over the last 100 years there have been "sawmills, foundries, shipbuilding, metalworking, salt distribution, warehousing, and a municipal public works yard" on the land at different times. In order to build out the Olympic Village area, approximately fifty acres, nine meters deep has to be excavated, and either treated onsite, or hauled to another location for safe disposal. Would you want to live on this land? In Sydney when they undertook a similar soil remediation task in the Homebush Bay Olympic site area, costs escalated out of control, plus, it created untold health problems for people living and working in the vicinity. Digging up fifty acres of contaminated soil three stories deep puts an incredible amount of dust in the air. Plus, the property borders the Pacific Ocean, which means not only is there an impact to air quality, but to water too. Residents in the Homebush Bay area complained of increased asthma, bronchitis and skin rashes, plus there was evidence of chromosomal damage. Health care costs increased proportionately, which meant another hidden cost. The city did not take the concerns of residents seriously until international media started reporting the information. Andrews freely admitted we would not know what lies in the ground until the entire site is excavated. Quite literally, it is anybody's guess what it will cost to make the site safe for residents. This particular piece of land also has a very unique microclimate, which contributes to the dispersal of air contaminants. Prevailing winds in the summer are from the west, off the ocean. During the day as the air over the land heats up it rises and the cooler ocean air moves in to displace it. When this happens the contaminants in the air are pushed up and into the valley. In the evening the cycle is reversed, but to a considerably lesser extent. Basically, the microclimate sets up an ebb and flow system that will spread the contaminated dust among millions of residents. Homebush Bay had a very similar challenge. During a public forum, when I asked Andrews if he knew about Homebush Bay, he looked puzzled and said, "No. Never heard of it." (cv1;cf1)
Lead exposure and Cushing's symptoms... A coincidence?
The other day I had a patient present in my office:
43 male, working at the site of the Olympic Village (South East False Creek) since 2007. Over the past 6 months this patient has developed softening of his muscles, emotional lability, abnormal bruising, puffiness of the face, reddening of the face, elevated blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels. Prior to the development of these symptoms the patient's health was unremarkable.
Research indicates that soil samples taken from the development site of the Olympic Village are contaminated with numerous petroleum by-products, chemicals, and LEAD AND ARSENIC. There was demand that 50+ acres 9 meters deep be removed from the Olympic Village site and either disposed of safely in a different location, or processed (i.e. cleaned) and replaced. This would have risen costs tremendously! Sadly I could not find any reports of the soil being "cleaned"...
Lead exposure, whether chronic or acute, may present as Cushing-like signs and symptoms. The work-up for this patient involves various lab tests at the local hospital as per an internal medicine specialist and heavy metal investigation by his naturopathic doctor.
I used Ca-EDTA and DMPS to provoke the removal of metals from this patient's body and am eagerly awaiting the urine toxic metals report.
Stay tuned for more information on this case. Also, I would appreciate any comments or questions.
43 male, working at the site of the Olympic Village (South East False Creek) since 2007. Over the past 6 months this patient has developed softening of his muscles, emotional lability, abnormal bruising, puffiness of the face, reddening of the face, elevated blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels. Prior to the development of these symptoms the patient's health was unremarkable.
Research indicates that soil samples taken from the development site of the Olympic Village are contaminated with numerous petroleum by-products, chemicals, and LEAD AND ARSENIC. There was demand that 50+ acres 9 meters deep be removed from the Olympic Village site and either disposed of safely in a different location, or processed (i.e. cleaned) and replaced. This would have risen costs tremendously! Sadly I could not find any reports of the soil being "cleaned"...
Lead exposure, whether chronic or acute, may present as Cushing-like signs and symptoms. The work-up for this patient involves various lab tests at the local hospital as per an internal medicine specialist and heavy metal investigation by his naturopathic doctor.
I used Ca-EDTA and DMPS to provoke the removal of metals from this patient's body and am eagerly awaiting the urine toxic metals report.
Stay tuned for more information on this case. Also, I would appreciate any comments or questions.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
